{"id":13203,"date":"2023-02-28T16:11:15","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T16:11:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/?p=13203"},"modified":"2025-11-10T18:40:36","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T18:40:36","slug":"types-of-jewelry-metals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/types-of-jewelry-metals\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Types of Jewelry Metals Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 7<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-73px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”26px|||||”]

If you find yourself wondering what the best metal for rings or other jewelry is, you\u2019re not alone. And the answer may surprise you as it largely depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Each jewelry metal has its own set of distinctive characteristics, from how it looks to how it wears over time. While gold, silver and platinum are the most well-known metals associated with jewelry, several other types of jewelry metals are available that may better fit your needs. Keep reading for a list of the most popular metals used in jewelry making today.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/3ST002873A_670x670.jpg” alt=”ceramic bracelet” title_text=”3ST002873A_670x670″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Ceramic<\/h2>\n

Ceramic jewelry is made from jewelry-grade zirconium ceramic, also known as titanium carbide. While ceramic is comparable to tungsten in terms of durability, it is much lighter in weight, adding to its wearable appeal. The overall look of ceramic is sleek and shiny, and because it’s incredibly hard, it’s virtually scratch-proof in any color. Due to its high melting point, ceramic jewelry won’t bend out of shape with extensive wear. It is important to note that ceramic rings generally run true to size and cannot be resized.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Care: <\/span><\/strong>Routine cleaning of ceramic jewelry will help maintain its unique appearance. Ceramic jewelry should be cleaned using a soft cloth with a mild solution of detergent-free soap and warm water. Harsh jewelry cleaners can break down the surface luster of ceramic jewelry and should be avoided.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#c1c1c1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/yellow-gold-chiseled-wedding-band.jpg” alt=”yellow gold chiseled wedding band” title_text=”yellow-gold-chiseled-wedding-band” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Gold<\/h2>\n

Gold is one of the most recognizable precious metals. While gold is durable and resistant to tarnish and corrosion, it is very malleable when heated, allowing it to be shaped into many different jewelry forms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A variety of\u00a0<\/span>different types of gold<\/span><\/a>\u00a0exist, from colors to purities. The purity of gold is measured in karats, with 14K and 18K being the most common in jewelry. Sterling silver jewelry can also be electroplated with karat gold. If the plating is at least 100 millionths of an inch thick, it is called \u201cvermeil\u201d and is an affordable alternative to karat gold jewelry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Care:<\/strong> Gold jewelry<\/a> should be routinely cleaned with a detergent-free soap and warm water, using a soft-bristled brush. We recommend professional cleaning three to four times a year to check settings and clasps. Prevent abrasions and dulling by keeping your gold jewelry away from chlorine, cleaning fluid and other household cleaners. Store your gold pieces in soft cloth bags or in their original boxes.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#c1c1c1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.borsheims.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/2P0000008A_670x670.jpg” alt=”meteorite jewelry” title_text=”2P0000008A_670x670″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Meteorite<\/h2>\n

Due to its fashionable and unique nature, people have used meteorite in jewelry making for thousands of years. The most common way to incorporate meteorite in jewelry is by taking cross-sectional slices of the meteorite. The unique patterns revealed are called Widmanstatten patterns, formed by the long nickel-iron crystals inside the meteorite. Meteorite jewelry may have natural inclusions called troilite, making every piece unique.<\/p>\n

Care:<\/strong> Meteorite will not chip or break but can be scratched, so it’s not recommended to wear your meteorite during intense activities. Because meteorite is an iron-based metal, it has the potential to rust. It is important to keep meteorite jewelry away from chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and acid.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Meteorite Rock Types<\/h3>\n

Below is a list of the types of meteorite found around the world.<\/p>\n